Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
